After noticing increased wear on the front tires toward the outside edges, I had them rotated, balanced, and all 4 wheels aligned at the dealer. The tech indicated that the fronts were slightly out of camber. Well...tire wear has continued in the same area and the tech is now telling me that 126's are hard on tires.

I'm wondering if any other 126 drivers have experienced this. Current tires have 30+k mi on them and have been rotated religiously.

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Chris

'04 ML500 - 53k, Inspiration Edition, Desert Silver
'11 Audi A4 Avant - Brilliant Black
'87 300SDL sold
'99 C280 Sport sold
'85 190E 2.3 sold

on my 500SEC I run a little extra negative camber to eliminate this problem and aid in handling

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Please, call me to place orders or for more info
use my name for on-line orders

my 560SEL is doing that now but I'm sure it just needs an alignment...I don't think you can do a 4 wheel alignment with the 126 or maybe its just the 560.

So far the tires that came with the car (15's) are starting to do the fading on the outside corners but I have a new set of tires(well 3 now) to mount but haven't. One of the new tires has been put on my rim since a tire went flat (ran over a nail) and I put that new sucker on the back and it has been fine ever since. I'm gonna be getting her aligned soon but haven't sweated it because of the weather (and I'm putting my new 18's on when it warms up too!).Anyway, if anyone can confirm this, let me/us know if indeed the 126 can even get a "4 wheel" front/rear alignment but from what I remember, I didn't think (at least mine) could get a rear alignment though I could be wrong .

good luck
Alan

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1997 E320
1986 560SEL
1983 300SD
1972 220D
1970 250C SOLD
1971 250C SOLD

My 280 SE does it i tought it was because of the cheap tires!

My 500 SEL shows similar signs of wear, and I have MXV-4's.
I have read in other posts that changing out rubber parts in the suspension helps, but not sure it is cost effective.

Right now I am just doing regular rotation to get the best lifespan.

Where'd you get your 18s from?

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W126 1983 300SD 286,000 miles and ticking
Baby blue exterior Grey MB tex
Recent work:
Replaced air cleaner mounting brackets and heat shields
Replaced alternator, fan and power steering belts
Replaced positive battery terminal
Replaced negative battery terminal and cord
New Duralast Battery

My car needs work.

Sorry it took me soooo long to respond but I got (this set) from discount tire sent from Arizona for a really decent price shipped. I already had a set of 18's (and 19's and 20's for that matter) but they were clearing some nice Sagittas for $400/set and I said what the hell... Actually, I'll probably be selling the Sagittas within a few months (because I've got a buddy begging me to sell him mine for his SEC because he actually wanted that kind of wheel whereas I just got them for the heck of it)

Anyway, I'm running 18x8.5 all around and wrapped em in 240/40/18 Yokohama dB's all around with the Sagittas and I've got another set of MIM Brock 3 wheels (again 18x8.5 and 240/40/18 Khumo Ecstas all around). I got the 19's and 20's for dirt cheap but didn't care for em and only used them at shows. I ended up selling both sets for almost 3 times what I paid for em so it all worked out...

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1997 E320
1986 560SEL
1983 300SD
1972 220D
1970 250C SOLD
1971 250C SOLD

Sorry,but I just noticed that I kept putting the WRONG tire size for my wheels (that's why they have a PREVIEW post huh?)
Anyway, the CORRECT size is actually 245/40/18 all around... also this configuration doesn't rub and although it is a slight change in the actual ride, its not a harsh ride at all. I'll be changing to a new set of Bilsteins up front along with shorter springs. Just thought I'd clear that up before a 126 owner goes and buys 240's for some 18x8.5

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1997 E320
1986 560SEL
1983 300SD
1972 220D
1970 250C SOLD
1971 250C SOLD

Golden Bear,

Camber or caster will have little or no effect when both front tires are wearing on the inside or outside edge. Your problem is definitely incorrect toe setting. With your tires wearing on the outside edge, your toe is definitely set "toed in."

This is a very simple adjustment, and most front end alignment people charge you for an entire front end alignment for this one simple adjustment.

I have had great success over the years adjusting the toe in the driveway, but taking it to a competent front end alignment man and paying full alignment price will save you money in the long rung, because tires are more expensive than alignment.

Good luck,

I had this same problem with a 560. It had a bad tie rod on the driver's side. When up on a lift, the mech put an adj wrench on the joints and it moved slightly, he said very bad and won't pass inspection. Also said it will cause premature tire wear similar to what I was having on the outside of the tire.

Yes, a bent tie rod will cause excessive toe in. If the joints are in good shape and it's only bent slightly, you can still adjust for proper toe.

Have a great day,

goldenbear,

When looking into alignment shops, I'd check for references and ask a good Benz mechanic. In other words, do your homework

Also, to reinforce Larry's point, make sure alignment work is ALL they do -- not exhaust, oil changes, etc.

From my experience, there are so many out there that do shoddy work its ridiculous. It's a waste of time and money to have to repeatedly take your car back, because they just can't "get it right."

Good luck and let us know how it turns out!

The 500 tore through a set of coopers destroying all four by breaking the steal belts. but on anyoyher tire I never had this problem.